The dream is launched and nothing seems to be able to stop it. Buoyed by an impressive dynamic, Portugal welcomes Ireland this Saturday evening at the Estadio José Alvalade with a clear ambition: to string together a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions and continue their flawless performance in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Already winners of the Nations League in June, Roberto Martinez's men are fueled by confidence, efficiency and a certain obsession with numbers. The Spaniard also believes in the power of the “6”, in reference to the year 1966 (3rd place in the World Cup) and the European coronation of 2016. And they intend to get this sixth victory against an Irish team in great difficulty.
Portugal hits the mark
After a great success in Armenia (5-0), Portugal had to wait until the 86th minute to overcome Hungary (3-2), confirming its ability to suffer and win. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had already shone against the Irish in a friendly in 2024 (doubled in a 3-0), remains the spearhead of an offensive and experienced team. With a three-point lead at the top of the group and a play-off ticket already secured via the League of Nations, the Lusitanians want to avoid any suspense.
Conversely, Ireland missed their start in these qualifications. Heimir Hallgrimsson's men snatched a draw against Hungary (2-2) before falling to Armenia (2-1). A poorly digested setback, as the level displayed was worrying. The absence of offensive benchmarks, defensive feverishness and a less than reassuring away record – two victories in eight matches – do not inspire optimism when it comes to challenging one of the best teams in the world.
Ireland faces a big challenge
Historically, Ireland have never won in Portugal. In six away matches, it has five defeats and one draw. Faced with a Seleção sure of its strength, the Boys in Green will have to show a completely different face to hope to stand up. Failing to overturn the hierarchy, limiting damage could already be seen as progress.
🗓️ Practical information: Portugal vs Ireland |
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|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Saturday October 11, 2025 |
| 🕗 Time | 8:45 p.m. (French time) |
| 🏟️ Stadium | José Alvalade (Lisbon) |
| 📺 Broadcaster in France | Not broadcast on TV |
| 💻 Streaming in France | The Live Foot Team (subscribers only) |
| 🏆 Competition | 2026 World Cup Qualifiers – Europe Zone (Group F) |
The probable eleven for the Portugal – Ireland match
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Dalot – Dias – Inacio – Nuno Mendes, Vitinha – Bruno Fernandes – Bernardo Silva, Conceição – Ronaldo – Leão.
Eire: Kelleher; O'Brien, O'Shea, Collins; Ogbene; Cullen, Knight, Manning; Taylor, Azaz; Ferguson.
| 🌍 Where to watch the match around the world | |
|---|---|
| 🇫🇷France | The Live Football Team (streaming only) |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | RTP 1 |
| 🌍MENA | BeIN Sports MENA 5, BeIN Connect, TOD |
| 🇧🇦 Balkans | Arena Premium 5 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | DAZN |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Polsat Sport 2 |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | RTS 2 |
